Caitlin Clark Close to 8-Figure Shoe Deal, What Does That Mean for the WNBA’s Future?

University of Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark is close to inking an 8 figure shoe deal with Nike that would include a signature shoe under the brand. The deal is rumored to be worth $20 million.

The announcement of Clark’s deal has sparked a valid but frustrating debate across social media about who deserves their own signature shoe and similar endorsements typically associated with being a professional athlete.

Clark, a phenomenal athlete and the current overall #1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, deserves recognition for her achievements. It’s positive that social media is buzzing about women’s basketball; these discussions can fuel the necessary emotions and momentum for significant changes in the WNBA.

This announcement has also sparked a debate around another popular and dominant Nike athlete in the WNBA – A’ja Wilson. Wilson has been dominating women’s basketball at every level for years. She also signed an endorsement with Nike in 2018 when she entered the league and has dominated the WNBA ever since. Wilson is a decorated athlete and also a New York Times Best-Selling Author. She has become a 2x WNBA Champion, 2x WNBA MVP, 1x WNBA Finals MVP, 5x WNBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year, and more. The question that has been hanging for years, especially after the Las Vegas Aces back-to-back WNBA championship was – when will A’ja Wilson get her own signature shoe? Sheryl Swoopes, 4x consecutive WNBA champion of the Houston Comets, was the first woman to receive a signature shoe in the late 1990s. 

Clark’s sizable endorsement should ignite a movement toward more well-deserved endorsements and brand deals for women in the sport. The 2024 WNBA draft class, having already made waves at the collegiate level, is poised to make a significant impact in the WNBA and in marketing both on and off the court

NBA insider @ShamsCharania says @CaitlinClark22's @Nike shoe deal is north of $20M 👀👏🔊@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/JYPnxUC7Bk

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 18, 2024